Spotlights

Year in Review 2018: Michelle Lala, RM Friedland

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? This year after hundreds of cold calls and many proposals I was able to sign up my first listing. When I first spoke with the seller, he explained that his properties were under contract and that I should follow up with him in a few months for a 1031 Exchange.

Year in Review 2018: Michael Hanley, Michels & Hanley CPAs, LLP

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? During this past year, the most successful Cost Segregation Study we performed for one of our Real Estate Investors that generated $151,962 of tax savings. We performed eleven other studies averaging $47,713 savings per client at an average fee of only $4,275 per client for a 1,116% average ROI.

Year in Review 2018: Robert DiLeo, Hylan

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? It’s been a very exciting year for Hylan so it’s hard to pick only one. But right now what comes to mind is the project the Hylan Datacom & Electrical team completed for the Staten Island Amazon Fulfillment Center. It was a very big project for us…

Year in Review 2018: Karen Cohen, Karen Cohen Realty and Associates

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? Growing my business was my most notable and satisfying professional achievement this year. In addition to adding an associate to help expand my business, I have created a new website so at KCohenRealty.com potential customers can view spaces and obtain information about our listings.

Year in Review 2018: Richard DiGeronimo, R.D. Geronimo Ltd

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? Several large portfolio projects valued in excess of $1billion and notable litigation cases in which I provided the appraisal/advisory services and expert testimony.

Year in Review 2018: Marie Zere, Zere Real Estate Services

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? The most notable project and transaction of the year was closing on a 36 MW solar project for a 109-acre solar farm for $14 million on Long Island, Suffolk County, Calverton, Town of Riverhead, NY. This new solar development is part of the largest solar portfolio in New York State.

Year in Review 2018: Michael Murphy, Douglas Elliman Real Estate Commercial Services

What market trend(s) will impact your industry in 2019? Being competitive in the world of commercial real estate is challenging. Planning ahead and anticipating what the market has in store is just one way of maintaining a competitive edge. In my humble opinion, the commercial real estate sector has not kept up with the times with respect to digitalization and social media platforms. 

Year in Review 2018: Mark Schnurman, Eastern Union

What was an unexpected event that occurred in 2018, and how did it impact your career or personal life? My Dad passed away earlier this year. He was my best friend and biggest supporter, so it was a particularly difficult year but living with the values my Dad taught me has helped me realize my Dad is with me everyday. 

Year in Review 2018: Mark Bahiri, Emerald Creek Capital

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2018? We closed sixty new loans this year which is a record for Emerald Creek. But what we’re most proud of is the fact that 25% of this year’s closings were to repeat borrowers. 

Year in Review 2018: Barbara Champoux, Champoux Law Group PLLC

What was the best decision that you made in 2018 and how did it impact your business? One of my 2018 decisions I am especially pleased with, was participating in CREW Network’s Leadership Certificate Program, providing advanced leadership training and skills to experienced CRE professionals.